Youth up to dominate golf game

By William Muwonge in Mbarara TEENAGE golfer Gabriel Muhwezi's victory in the Kim's Open here earned him a perfect start to a season that promises a lot more challenge. Muhwezi carded 138 nett over 36 holes to claim his third major win in four years of competitive golf. The 16-year, claimed victory at the par-72 home course on Sunday, having won the Nile Bank Open over the last two years. The Ntare school student, who took up the game in 1997, beat the rest spurred by brilliant chipping and putted on a dry, fast course. Muhwezi's success underlined the increasing influence of the youth on the game. For over four years now, the youths are a force to reckon in a game that for long has been dominated by veterans. The legends including Sadi Onito, winner of the national open for over ten years, Juma Jaffar, Ramathan Kayamba also national stars are now less active on the course. Muhwezi is in a talented group of the youths that has Deo Akope, 22, the national champion. The group includes Anselm Olweny, 20, Denis Anguyo, 18, Kenneth Namanya, Michael Agaba all at 16, Brian Toolit, 14, who made a great impact last year. These are the players likely to give Muhwezi the greatest challenge this year. The Kim's Open will be followed by a series of other events in the new season. Results: Overall winner- G. Muhwezi 138 nett; Group A (h/c 0-9)- B. Sunday 139, P. Mugisha 143, B. Otwane 144; Group B (h/c 10-18)-P. Rukindo 138, P. Byamugisha 140 c/b H. Kasaija; Group C (h/c 19-36)- R. Kasozi 140, C. Turyahikayo 142, M. Nsubuga 143; Gross D: Akope 152, first 18- A. Mayanja 70, second 18-D. Rwabogo 68, longest drive on no 6- D. Obita, nearest the pin on no 18-D. Kasimbazi. Ladies: J. Karemera 148, J. Kyatuka 154, J. Kobusingye 155; longest drive on no 6- R. Tumusiime. Ends